Virulence factors of Candida albicans and dermatophytes in keratinized tissues infection

C. albicans and dermatophytes have special characteristics that confer them the ability to infect keratinized tissues. C. albicans is part of the human flora but under some circumstances and in susceptible individuals it can cause systemic and superficial infections. Virulence factors of this opportunist include: its capacity to adhere to the host, secretion of degradation enzymes, its ability to change morphologically and to form biofilms. Dermatophytes are the most common cause of skin infection and they can achieve this due to virulence factors such as their ability to adhere and invade keratinized tissues. To know and understand in depth the virulence factors of these fungi might to find further direct therapies in a more efficacious way. We present a literature review about the virulence factors of C. albicans and dermatophytes